Washington, D.C.: Running

Named after Four Mile Run Creek, this seven miles-long asphalt trail (confusing, right?) passes through Shirlington and connects to the much longer W&OD Trail at multiple locations. Benches, trashcans, water, and restrooms are available at the numerous parks along the route every few miles, and the path is well marked. Because the portion of the trail running through Shirlington and …

Running through much of Northern Virginia, the W&OD Trail is a 45-miles long asphalt paved trail (short portions are concrete) that connects to the Custis Trail and the Four Mile Run Trail. The W&OD Trail is perfect for getting in a long run or ride without getting lost in a new area. The majority of the trail has very minimal …

The Custis Trail connects to the W&OD Trail and runs along I-66 towards the western part of Northern Virginia. The asphalt paved trail is four miles in length and connects commuters to Washington D.C. via the Key Bridge and Mount Vernon Trail. Because it is not a rails-to-trails conversion, there is considerable elevation change on the route, particularly at bridges …

Fountainhead Regional Park is the starting point of the 18-miles long Bull Run – Occoquan Trail. The point-to-point trail is open only to pedestrians and equestrians and winds its way through five parks. The natural trail is completely rolling hills and can be fairly technical in many areas, with plenty of rocks and roots to navigate. The trail is heavily …

This concrete and asphalt path is 4.25 miles in length and runs through Alexandria in Northern Virginia. Bathrooms, parking, water, and trashcans can be found at Cameron Run Regional Park – a large park with an abundance of family activities, including miniature golf, batting cages, and a water park. In order to access the trail from the park, turn right …

Stretching 185 miles from Western Maryland to Washington, D.C., the legendary C&O Canal Trail is an excellent resource for travelers in the D.C. area. The dirt and crushed gravel surface is not appropriate for high-end road bikes, but hybrid or mountain bikes are a great option. The ten miles of the trail that are closest to Washington D.C. are the …

For those traveling to the Silver Spring/Wheaton area, the Sligo Creek Trail offers 10.2 miles of paved asphalt multi-use trail. Some single track trail borders the pavement along portions of the trail, which runs along the Sligo Creek Parkway. Benches are located at regular intervals along the path, and porta potties and water fountains are available at several parks along …

One of the District’s biggest and most loved parks, Rock Creek Park is operated by the National Parks Service and stretches from Maryland all the way through Northwestern Washington D.C. to the Potomac River. The park can be accessed from many different points in the city, but the main entrance is located at the Nature Center. To access the Nature …

Part of the Marine Corps Marathon route, East Potomac Park is a 3-mile peninsula loop that connects to West Potomac Park and the Tidal Basin. Runners and cyclists can follow the quiet asphalt street down and around the peninsula to Hains Point, and you’re sure to have good company along the way. The peninsula offers beautiful views of the Potomac …

Home to the famous Cherry Blossom Festival, West Potomac Park includes Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin. The paved 1.75-mile loop is beautiful in all seasons and is also very convenient; located close to the National Mall, it can be added on to other trails for additional mileage. Benches, trash cans, and water fountains are available along the loop, and bathrooms are …